Faculty Collaboration Database

Intraocular pressure in zebrafish: comparison of inbred strains and identification of a reduced melanin mutant with raised IOP. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2004 Dec;45(12):4415-22

Date

11/24/2004

Pubmed ID

15557450

DOI

10.1167/iovs.04-0557

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-9444223950   42 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: The goal was to establish an accurate method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in living adult zebrafish and to determine the average IOPs of genetically different strains and mutants. The overall purpose was to develop the zebrafish system for studies of IOP and glaucoma. Elevated IOP and anterior segment dysgenesis are two known risk factors for glaucoma. Because albino mammals have increased IOP and are prone to anterior segment anomalies, the study was focused on a reduced melanin zebrafish mutant, brass.

METHODS: Servo-null electrophysiology was used to measure IOP in anesthetized adult zebrafish. A pulled-glass microelectrode was used to penetrate the cornea into the anterior chamber, and pressure transduction was recorded. IOP, histology, and visual behavioral assays were used to assess the brass mutant.

RESULTS: Significant differences in IOP were detected between genetically distinct zebrafish strains. IOP averages were highest in the long fin (LF) strain (20.5 +/- 1.2 mm Hg) and lowest in the Oregon AB (AB) strain (10.8 +/- 0.3 mm Hg). In brass mutants, which show a reduced melanin phenotype, IOPs were elevated and mild iris hypoplasia was noted. No defects were observed within the retina or in visual function.

CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, an accurate method was developed for measuring IOP in adult zebrafish. Both the ability to measure IOP in the genetically powerful zebrafish model and the conservation of elevated IOP and anterior segment anomalies between albino mammals and hypopigmented fish are important. They strongly support the use of zebrafish for studying the complex genetics of elevated IOP and glaucoma.

Author List

Link BA, Gray MP, Smith RS, John SW

Author

Brian A. Link PhD Professor in the Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Animals, Inbred Strains
Electrophysiology
Equipment Design
Intraocular Pressure
Melanins
Microelectrodes
Mutation
Phenotype
Species Specificity
Zebrafish